Flange curling machine



June 29, 1937. w, BUTLER FLANGE CURLING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 25, 1933 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS June 29, 1937. w, BUTLER 2,085,001

FLANGE CURLING MACHINE Filed June 23, I 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 &

INVENTOR JZMW ATTORNEYS June 1937- w. F. BUTLER FLANGE CURLING MACHINE Filed June 23, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 if? BY Q6 M ATTORNEYS June 29, 1937. w. F. BUTLER 2,035,001

FLANGE CURLING MACHINE Filed June 25, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 l n 'lllllllaalllllll INVENTOR make 74 ATTORNEYS June 29, 1937 w. F. BUTLER I FLANGE GURLING MACHINE Filed June 23, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS June 29, 1937. w E BUTLER FLANGE GURLING MACHINE Filed June 23, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEYS Patented June29, 1937 PATENT 'oFHcs FLANGE CURLING MACHINE "William F. Butler, Hillside, N. 1., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Yuj corporation of New Jersey Application June 23, 1933, SerialNo. 677,323 16 Claims. (01.153-59) The present invention relates to bending or curling apparatus and has particular reference to apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like by supportingthe end walls adjacent 5 the flanges throughout the flanging operation so that. all shapes of ends, oblong'as well as round or oval are evenly curled with speed and precision.

In curling the flanges of oblong-can ends such as those having straight sides joined by rounded 10 corners the section ofthe rightangle wall of the usual countersink adjacent the flange along the 7 straight sides is more flexible than the walladjacent the rounded corners and this fact influences the curling of the edgeswheniunsupported,

15 as is the usual practice, and there is likely to develop considerable unevenness in the curl of the flange particularly in the noncircular end and anyunevenness affects thesubsequent seaming of the endson to can bodies. I

30 The present invention is concerned with producing a more uniform and regular curl on the flanges of can ends regardless of shape and size and contemplates. movement of flanging rollers in a path of travel around a stationary chuck by 25 which-the can ends are individually held with the counter-sunk walls adjacent the flanges of theg the entire curling ends fully supported duri operation. An important object of. the present invention 0 is the provision. of a flangecurling machine having a continuous action wherein the ends are received in succession and are individually and automatically subjected to the curling operationwhile they are fully supported on a sta- 35 tionary chuck. r

The invention also contemplates the'addition of a turnover device, as a. part of such a flange curling apparatus, which reverses the position of the ends so that they may be received direct 40 from a forming or drawing press in which it is most convenient to draw the central panel of the ends up. This turnover device, receiving the ends in this drawing position, turns them over with the sunken panel turned down, which is the 45 proper position for raising into a curling head located above the line of travel of theends. Theends are lifted into chucked position on a stationary chuck located in the curling head.

The invention furthermore contemplates what 50 in some cases ishighly desirable, namely, the

additive feature of an automatic stacking device for placing the fully curled ends into a holdingmagazine.

An important object of the invention is the,

55 provision of a flange curling machine of the character described which carries the can ends in processional order through the machines operating stations while keeping them substantially visible along one side and easily accessible, thereby permitting inspection of the ends throughout the various operations of the machine.

Yet another desirable feature of the present invention is the provision of a hinged curling head which may be swung back and away from the can ends in and adjacent to the curling station, permitting full inspection or removal of the ends without disconnecting or disturbing the actuating mechanism. The machine cannot be operated, however, as long as the hinged head is not in proper position, but when in curling position the head is firmly held in place for thecurling operation. 0

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention willbe apparent as it is better understood from .the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof. 0

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a. front elevation of an apparatus embodying thepresent invention; 0 v

Fig. 2 is a partsectional, part plan view 01' the machine on an enlarged scale, illustrating the path of travel of can ends therethrough;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-4111 Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 1-4- in Fig. 1, parts of the seaming head being shown in full;

Fig. 5 is atransverse sectional view taken subi stantially along the line L4 in Fig. 2 and looking toward the feed or entrance end of the appa a us;

Fig. .6 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 6.6 in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse sectional view. through the can end stacking magazine, being taken substantially along the line 7-1 in Fig. 2:

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail taken substantially along the broken line 8-8 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a plan detail partly broken away of the parts illustrated in Fig. 8;

Figs. 10 and 11 are sectional details slightly enlarged of diiferent hold back fingers assoclated with the feeding of the can ends through the apparatus, these views being taken substantially along the respective lines I 0- 4 0 and ll-ll in Fig. 2; 1

Fig; 12 is an enlarged sectional detail of the can end lifting device as taken substantially along the line I 2-l2 in Fig. 2';

Fig. 13 is a plan detail partly broken away of the parts shown in Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a combination sectional view and end elevation on an'enlarged scale of an electrical stop device as viewed from a position substantially along the line |4--l4 in Fig. 3.

V General mechanical features In the apparatus disclosed in the drawings as a preferred embodiment of the present invention";

oblong can ends 2| (Figs. 2 and 3) are received in the upper end of an inclined chute 22 located at one end of the apparatus. This chute is preferably mounted upon a bracket extension 23' (see also Fig. l) of a main frame 24. An intermittently movable turnover wheel 25' is carriedv on a horizontal shaft 26 journaled in bearings 21 formed in the frame bracket 23 and this turnover wheel is directly below the discharge or lower end of thechute 22.

, The can .ends 2| move gravityv down the chute 22.and the line of ends are heldin the chute by yielding devices; 28 whichzengagethe lowermost end at a station A (Fig.3), These,

ends are all facedthe same way as they rest in processional order Ill the chute and where these ends are coming direct from a drawing and end forming press their central panel sections are faced upwardly as shown. When in suchposition they will .-be';turned ;over beforebeing brought into curling position and it is for such a purpose that theturnover wheel 25 is used. Werethe ends inthechute 22 faced in the opposite direction the turnover wheel would not be used and would be removed from the can travel;

Theturnover wheel .25. is formed of a pair of spaced discs 3|, the inner face of each disc being cut across'with grooves 32. Each groove extends from'the periphery ofthe disc generally toward the'center but ofiset a slight distance; 1 The outer or peripheral end of each groove flares outwardly at 33, these groove ends in each disc being equally spaced around its periphery. A pair of flared groove mouths 33;"oneoneach disc, are brought into register (at a station B) with the lowerdischarge end of the chute22 at each rest period of the turnover wheel. a I I The discs 3| are intermittently or step moved as their supporting shaft 26 is partly rotated and at each movement a new pair' of grooves 32 is presented to the discharge end of the'chute (Staf tion B). Feeding devices 35 operate when thediscs 3| are atrest to move the lowermost can end 2| from its held position withinthe yielding devices 28 (station A) and to insert it into the aligned grooves at station B. I p p The top part of the frame14'isformed'as'a horizontal table 36 and it is along-this table that the can ends are moved into and out of the curling head, after theyhave been turned over by the discs 3l. In this turnover operation the can end 2| is fed into the discs 3| at station B, is carried up and over in two succeeding step movements of thediscs through twoidle stations C and D and at the third step movementis brought into its third positionof rest .ata station marked E'in Fig.8. 1

This end is now in a horizontal position and is in substantial alignment with thetop of thetable 36. In 'the three step movements just described the can end has been turn d ve from the inclined position with its panel face up into horlzontal position with its panel face down.

Transfer devices 4| operate in a horizontal plane and along the table 36 ,to remove the turned-over end from the discs 3|, moving it first from station E into an idle station F (Figs. 2 and 3) and thence. into a curling station G. At G the endis in alignment with a lift device 42 (Fig. 4) located beneath acurling head '43.

The can end 21 at the curling station G is raised by the lift device 42 and is clamped onto a stationary chuck 44 (Figs. 3 and 12) carried in the curlinghead 43. This chuck is formed with a lower facethat is contoured to closely flt the central panel of the end 2| as is usual in all chuck constructions and this chucking of the end backs up its flange equally at all surrounding peripheral positions and reenforces the parts of the flange for the curling operation.

While in raised position and while so clamped between the parts 42, 44, the flange of the end is engaged by curlingrollers 45 carried on oscillating levers, 46 mounted in the curling head. These rollers curl the peripheral edge of the flange as they are carried-around the stationary chuck.

Thecurling rollers follow the flange'periphery and gradually move closerin as thecurling proceeds, thev swing of the levers 46 determining this action. 1 1' After curling, the end is lowered and again deposited on the table .36.- It is then further advanced by the transfer" devices 4|; first through an idle station H (Figs. 2 and 3) and thence over a lifting plunger. 48 'at a stacking station-kl.

Plunger48 raises the curled end from the table and inserts it'into the lower'end of a stack of ends within a storage'magazine 49. In the foregoingv only a brief. description of the mechanical parts and operations has been attempted. These will now be described in detail. 1

endre c eiving chutecnd end delivery 2 d -Chute 22 (Figsr2 and'3) ispre'fer ably formed by a pair of spaced blocks 55 each of which is securedby bolts 56 to'th'e bracket 23 These blocks. are separatedza distance slightlyiin excess of the drawn central panel (designated by the letter 51) of the end 2|. end issurrounded by the. outwardly extending flange- (marked 58) =which-is to be curled."

The panel of each A grooved guide rail 58 is mounted oneach block;

55' adjacent its inner edge and the can ends in the present embodiment come into the chute with the drawn panel 5111p, this being the'posi tion as received from a drawing press or the like.

- Opposite sides of the flange 58 of the ends pass into and move along the groovesof the guide rails 59. The can endsmo've by gravity'down the inclined chute. It is the lowermost can end of the line of ends in the chutethat is engaged by the yielding devices 28, as previously'desc'ribed.

These yielding devices comprise flngers- 5| 8 which are pivoted at 62 on the upper surfaces of the blocks 55. Thelower end of each finger BI is held in thepath of travel of the can ends by a leaf spring 63 which is secured to a projection 64 extending outwardly from the surface of the block and which engages the finger near its pivot 62.

The upper end of each finger 61 when holding a can end 'rests against "the end 'ofan adjusting screw 65 which is threaded in the projection 64 and which may be adjusted to position the lower end of its associated finger. A small block 66 is secured uponthe upper face of each block 55 and provides a guide for the can end as it moves from the chute. I I

The feeding device for moving the lowermost can end from the chute and for placing it into the turnover wheel 25 is best shown in Fig. 3 and comprises a finger 1| which is pivoted on a pin 12 carried in a hollow block 13 which slides up and down on-an inclined strap 14 secured at its upper end to the bracket 23 by a bolt 15 and at its lower end to the table 36 by a bolt 18.

Strap 14 is located beneath and centrally of the can end travel through the chute and itsupper end extends to a point beyond or above the pivoted fingers 6|. The lower end of the strap is formed with a collar section 11 (Figs. 2 and 3 which encircles the shaft 26 intermediate the discs 3|. V Movement of the block 13 to raised position arranges its finger 1| back of the lowermost cover 2 I-. A leaf spring 18 carried'in the block and resting under the finger yieldingly moves it into position for engagement with the lower vertical wall of the end panel 51 at such a time.

The block 13 and the finger, 1 I are moved downwardly to effect the removal of the'enga'ged can end 2| from the chute. In this movement the end is forced between and past the lower ends of the fingers 6| which move back against the action of their springs 63 and permit the end to pass between the blocks 66 and into apair of presented grooves 32 of the turnover discs 3 I.

Block 13 ispivotally connected at 8| to the upper end of a bent connecting strap 82 (Figs. 3 and 5) which is of a horizontal shaft 86. The shaft 86 is journaled inbearings 81 formed in the frame 24 and supports a spur'gear 88 which meshes with a similar gear 89 (see also'Fig. 4) which is keyed to a horizontal shaft 9|. I

The shaft 9I is journaled in bearings 92 formed in the frame 2 4 and is rotated through the medium of a. worm gear 93 keyed on one end of the shaft 9|. The worm gear 93 meshes with a worm 94 (Figs. 2 and 4) which is secured centrallylof a shaft 95 journaled in bearings 96 formed in the frame 24 and section 36. r I

The driving power for the machine is furnished by an electric motor 91 mounted upon a bracket 98 secured to the frame 24. A motor shaft 99 of the motor 91 carries a gear I which meshes with a gear IIII secured to one end of the shaft 95. In this mitted to the shaft 86 which in turn carries the crank arm around and'this actuates the block' 13 and its finger 1| for a feeding stroke.

Turnover wheel. and can end turnooer The intermittent actuation of the turnover wheel 25 is effected'by means of parts which impart step rotation to the shaft 26 in the following manner. The shaft 26 carries -a sprocket I85 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6) over which a chain I06 operates. This chain also passes over a sprocket I81 which rotates on a Geneva wheel stationary shaft I88 fixed in a bearing I89 formed in the frame 24.

The sprocket I81 is secured to or is an integral part of a Geneva wheel |I5 which is intermittently rotated on theshaft'III B by a roller II6 engaging in radial slots I I1 formed in the Geneva wheel. The roller H6, is mounted on a. pin. 8

extending outwardly from one face of the gear pivoted at 83 to an outer arm 84 of a compound crank arm 85 formed on one end extending upwardly from the table manner the motor shaft rotation is trans-' "Can end transfer from station to station Transfer of the can end from the turnover wheel 25 into the curling station by the transfer devices 4| now follows, A feed bar I25 (Figs. 3 and 8). is provided as part of such devices. This feed bar moves back and forth in alongitudinal slot I26 formedin the table 36,'the bar in cross section presenting the' form of an inverted'T.

The feed bar I25 is held against upward displacement by plates |i21 located in slots I28 cut in the upper surface of the table 36.

As the turnover wheel brings the can end 2| into its horizontal position at station E, the feed bar is in its rear position (Fig. 3). A fixed finger |3| is formed on the rear end of the feed bar and projects upwardly above the surface of the table. This finger I3I is behind the can end as it comes to rest in station E.

While the turnover wheel remains stationary on its period of rest (Figs. 2'and 3). the feed bar moves forward and the finger I 3|; engaging the can end, slides it out of its grooves 32 and over the surface of the table 36 as it transfers the end into the idle station F.

To effect this feeding movement the feed'bar I25 at its rear end has rack teeth I 32 cut in its lower face. These teeth are engaged by a segmental rack I 33 formed on the upper end of an arm I34 which is secured to a rock shaft I35 (Figs. 3 and 5). Shaft I36 formed in the frame 24. The arm I34 is cut out in its central section to provide a rectangular opening I31.

y The compound crank 85 extends through the opening I31, the rear part being connected by a cylindrical section I38 with the outer arm 84. A pair of split blocks I39 encircle and provide a bearing for the cylindrical part I38 and these have sliding movement within the opening I31 of the arm I34. As the double crank moves with the rotation of its shaft 86, the cylindrical part I 38 of the arm is carried in path, the pivot 83 of the full or long crank movement. It is these two movements that constitute the double crank 'action. I i

At the same time the blocks I39 slide up and down within the opening I31 and transmit a rocking motion to the arm I34 with its rock shaft I35. The resulting rocking movement of the segmental rack I33 through the 'rack section I32 of the feed bar moves the latter back and forth within its table slot I26. I

The can end 2| coming into station F passes over and depresses a pair of hold back fingers I45- (Figs. 2 and 10); Each finger is pivotally mounted at I46 in a block I41-positioned. on the I35 is mounted in a bossv a. circular short crank strap 82 describing the a forwardends of the fingers are thus depressed. The can end comes torest with its drawn panel section, 51 just in front of the fingers and when thefeed bar I25 returns onits rear stroke the fingers prevent 'ai corresponding return movement of 'theen'd.

During the. extiorward movement of the feed bar. I25 whenthe end '2I is further advanced into the curling station G a spring held'feedfinger I49 (Figs. 2" and 3) pivoted on the feed bar, is used. This finger is held in its raised end feeding position by a leaf spring I58. As the feed bar movesba'ck, following the transfer of the end into station F and while the end is being held by the hold back fingers I45,fthe.,finger I49 is depressed as it passes beneath the end panel and thus comes into feeding position behind the end at station F. During'thepassage of can ends 2I across the table as from station E through the intermediate stations and into the stacking station J the opposite si'des of their flanges 58 ride over a pair of spaced guide orsupport bars I5I,' I52 (Figs. 8 and 9). These bars rest upon and are carried by thetable 36 and are formed along their inner edges with upwardly projecting ribs I53, I54 along which the end flanges ride. I v

The can ends during their travelalong the bars I51, I52 are prevented from upward displacement by other guide or retaining bars I55, I156 which are mounted upon the bars I5I, I52. Bars I55; I56 are formed along and under their inner'jedges withllongitudinally extending grooves I51, I58 through which the. end flanges pass.

The bar I55 is slotted at I6I (Figs. 2 and 9) and shouldered bolts I62pass1 through the slots and are threadedly seated in the bars I 5I. These bolts I62 prevent upward displacement of the bar I55 but have clearance within the slots I 6I allowingjfor movement of the bar toward and away from the track of the can ends. 8

held inwardly by The bar I55 is normally springpresse'd pins applied to itsends. iAs il- 7 lustrated in FigsI Z. and 9, the bar I55 is extend-- d at its jen'ds in projections I65 which are dis.-

posed just inside of blockand these pins are backed .up by springs sociated spring I69 is shown' in'the lower left for 'partialrrotation within a counter-sinkseat I69 enclosedwithin openings formed the block. A screw plug I1I threadedly engages in the block and holds the spring confined within its openingj A detail of one of the .pins I68 with 16818.5

hand c'orner ofFig. 9. v 4 I Provision .is made' for swinging back the bar I'against the holding action of the springs I68 so: that'access maybehad to can ends. For this purposea pairof shift members I14 (Figs. 2,8

and .9) are. provided. each being formed with a stepped cylindrical shank I15 which is mounted I1 6 formedin the bar I5I. I This cylindrical shank .carries anupwardly extending. head I11.

which.isl'eccentrically.mounted relative to the vertical axis of the shank and which extends loosely; through ,a slot I 18 cut through .the bar I55. 11 l r I pin I19. is inserted in one side of the A finger upper part of thephead I11 and manual shifting of the pin rotates the shank I15 within its seat I16.- This moves the head I11 in the slot I18 and. pulls back the bar I55 'forcingback the" pins I68. By swinging the two fingerpins I19 simultaneously the bar I55 is moved from the blocks I66 boltedat I61 to the bar I5I. Each block I66 carries a pair of pins I68 which project from the innerface of'the position shown in Fig. 2 to that illustrated in Fig. 9. f a

The bar I56 is also pin held in its fendguiding and retaining position. shouldered bolts IBI (Figs. 2, 8 and 9)' are used to yieldingly and fric- I83 (Fig; 8), surrounds the large part of each bolt.

I8I being confined betweenv the bolt head and a.

washer I84 which is pressed down against the upper surfaceofthe bar 156,; thus providing a friction between the movableand stationary bars. I56, I52. This same construction is equally applicable to the boltsl62 previously described.

The bar I56; like the bar I55, is formed with end projections I85 (Figs; 2 and.9). which extend adjacent blocks, I86 held on the bar. I52 by bolts I81; "A spring pressed pin I88 is carried in each block I86 and is yieldingly held with its end against the projection I85 in the same manner as the pins I68 are held against the ends I65 of the bar I55 as just described. r

' Can end lifting into-curling head At the curling station G, the can end2l resting above and in axial alignment with thelift device 42 is raised into the curling head as previously described. This lift device comprises a cylindrical body'I9I (Figs; 3; 4 and 12) which is disposed within a tubular sleeve I92 formed with a bottom flanged base,.I93 whch rests upon. the frame 24 and is secured by bolts I94. The upper end of this sleeve extends through vanopening I95 cut' through the table 36. and its upper edge is just beneath the tablersurfacea I The sleeve I92 provides a slide bearing for the cylindrical body I9I. which is. adapted to move upwardly when it carries the can cover into curling position within the curling head 43. The upper end of thebody I9I is reduced into ahead I96 which extends upwardly between the bars I5I, I52 and when the body. I9I and-head I96 are in their-loweredposition, the latter isvjust,

beneath the can end 2I at the curling station.

The head I96is also cut away 'at I91 to provide a' clearance. passage for, the transfer devices M and the top .wall or this, passage is cut through in a slot v I98 to permit passage of a fixed feed finger I 99 carried by the ieedbar, I25 and used for transferring the curled end from station G to.

station H as will be later, described. This finger is positioned just ahead'of the lift device 42 as the cover 2| comes to rest above the lifter head I96. I

The body I9I israised and lowered by a cam device associated with theshaft 9| (Figs. 3 and 4). The sleeve I92 is cut away at 28I for clearance and thebody I9I carriesapin 282 on whicha cam roller 283 is rotatably mounted.

The pin and roller project rearwardly into the op'ening28l. I Y I 1 Roller 283 restsv upon-a ca'm section'284 of a double cam 285 carried on the forward endj of the shaft '9I and the body I9I and parts carried thereby are supported'by' the cam. Rotation of the shaft 9I and the cam 284.. operating through the roller 283, raises the bodyj I9I'and carries its head I96 upwardly against the cover and then lifts the latter into the curling head 43. in addition to the weight of'the lift device the cam roller 203-is further held against the cam 294 by a spring device illustrated in Fig. 4.

The body I! is formed in its lower end with a vertical bore 201 and a rod 208 extends upwardly 5 into the bore, its lower end-being anchored on the frame 24 within the base of the sleeve I92. A spring 209 surrounds the rod 208 and is enclosed in the bore 291. Its upper end engages a threaded washer 2 carried on the rod and its lower end engages a nut 2I2 threadedly secured in. the bottom of the body I9I and closing off the bore 201', the nut 2l2 having free sliding movement on the rod.

Spring centering fingers 22I, 222 (Figs. 12 and 15 13) disposed onopposite sides of the can end as it is raised by the head I96 press against the end during its lifting movement and center the end accurately for the curling head. These fingers have a slight back and forth movement in slots 223, 224 out in the under faces of the bars I55, I56. 1

Each finger is formed with an outer downwardly extending part 225 which carries a stop screw 226. This stop screw \strikes against the side wall of the bar I5 I, or I52 as the case may be,

and limits the inward movement of a can en flange engaging inner edge 221.

Each finger 22I or 222 is formed with a second downwardly extending part 228 to which a bowed leaf spring 229 is secured at its middle. Bars I5I, I52 are formed with elongated pockets 23I which contain the parts 229 and springs 229 of the fingers. The two ends of each spring 229 rest upon the outer wall of its pocket 23I- and flexure of the spring yieldingly holds its" associated finger in centering position.

C'an end curling Atabout the same time that the head I96 of the lifting device engages the can end 2I at sta-. tion G and before the end is released from the centering 'fingersja knockout pad- 24I (Figs. 3 and 4) of the curling head comes down into the can end panel 51 and clamps it firmly in position on the head. This pad is preferably secured to or is an integral part of a rod 242 which extends vertically through the curling head. The curling elements, including the curling rollers 45 and their levers 46, are carried around rod 242.

The upper end of the rod 242 is adjustably secured to an offset section 243 of a slide 244 which is located in the upper part of the curling head 43. This slide has vertical movement Within a slideway 245 formed in the head and carries a rear- Wardly'projecting pin-246 on which a cam roller 241 is mounted. This roller operates in a cam groove; 248 formed in the periphery of a barrel cam 249 keyed on a sleeve extension 25I of a gear 252. The gear parts 25I, 252 are rotatably' supported on a shouldered stud 253 locked in a boss 254 formed in the curling head 43. The gear 252 meshes with and receives rotation from a pinion 255 and this pinion together with a gear 256 turns as a unit with ,a sleeve. 251 which is journaled in a tubular bearing 259 formed in the curling head 43. A worm gear 259 is keyed to the lower end of the sleeve 251 and the gears 255, 259 are locked together with the sleeve 251 by a bolt 26I. The bolt 26I at its lower or head end extends through a washer 262 seated in the worm gear 259 and its upper end is threadedly secured in the pinion 255.

Movement of the rod 242 is so timed that the knockout pad 24I is broughtdown into clamping .75 position on the can end as shown in Fig. 3 and then as the end is lifted by the lift device 42, the pad 24I is correspondingly raised, maintaining its end holding action the while until it seats within the bottom of the chuck 44. The rod242 at that time is at the top of its stroke and the 5 can end is then clamped between the lift head I96 and the chuck 44 and is thus held in stationary position for the curling operation.

The gear 256 is bolted to' and carries a gear 265 which has a slightly larger diameter and-10 these two gears provide a differential drive through mating gears 266, 261 constituting a portion of the curling instrumentalities and actuating devices for moving the curling levers 46 around the stationary chuck 44. '15

The exact details of the curling head, it is believed, are not important for a full understanding of the present case, ny suitable seaming head using the proper cur rollers 45 being suflicient. Such details will n be shown or described, the 20 features already set forth providing the principal working parts of a proper apparatus. The mechanism for actuating the curling rollers 45 by means of the above described differential gear drive, Fig. 4, may be the same as disclosed in my 25 prior Patent No. 1,972,866 dated September 11. 1934, on an application filed July 6, 1931 for a Double seaming head.

Hinging of curling head The entire curling head 43 and parts contained within its housing may be hinged or swlmg around on the center of the shaft 95'(Figs. 2 and 4) without disconnecting it-from its actuating mechanism. The curling head 43 is formed with spaced 35 lugs 215 which are located at the ends of the worm 94, the shaft 95 passing through the lugs.

When the front of the curling head 43 is lifted, the teeth of the worm gear 259 merely slip around in the teeth of the worm 94 maintaining mesh at 40 all times. The chuck 44, rollers 45, knockout pad 24I and otherparts contained within the head are thus lifted clear of the can end 2I resting upon the head, I96 of the lift device 42 at station G. This opens up the line of can ends on the table 45 and with the removable bar I55 allows full visibility and accessibility.

Provision is made for holding the head firmly in curling position and to prevent inadvertent operation of the machine, if the head is not in such 50 position, provision is also made to prevent operation of'the driving motor 91 unless and until the head is so positioned. These two features will now be considered.

A bar 216 (Figs. 1 and 4) is carried within the 55 head 43, its upper end being secured at 211 to the upper frame of the head and its lower end extending in front of the moving parts. This lower end is formed with a foot 218 which rests upon a bracket 219 bolted at 28I to the frame 24. A stop 60 block 282 is bolted to the front and center of the bracket 219 and the lower end of the bar 216 rests inside of this block when the head is down.

A manually operated latch is provided for holding the bar 216 and locking the head in place. 65 The foot 216 of the bar extends rearwardly (Fig.

4) and is adapted to be engaged by a head 283 of a short shaft 284, these constituting the latch referred to. Shaft 284 extends vertically through the bracket 219 and through a spacer block 285 70 resting upon the bracket. A manipulating handle 286 secured on the lower end of the shaft 284 permits latching and unlatching of .the head.

Disengagement of the foot 216 unlocks the curling head 43 and it may then be swung back pivoted at 285 in into noncurling position as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4. A part of the rear wall of the casing for the head 43 is curved at 281 (Figs. 4 and 14) and this fits'into and slides along a cylindrical wall 288' formed in the back 6! the frame 24. This "forms a closed connection between the casings at all times. A stop ledge 289 on the head wall 281, striking against the top edge of the wall 288 limits the swinging movement of the headand holds the head in its raised position.

The device used to prevent operation of the motor 81' and by it the entire apparatus comprises an electric switch unit 28I (Figs. 1 and 14) which is interposed in the electric circuit which carries electric energy to the motor. The switch unit 29I has a fixed contact 292 and a movable contact 283. The latter is carried on an arm 284 the swit ousing. The'free end of the arm 284 carries a roller 295 which is lifted, with its arm 284, by a spring 281 when the rolleris not depressed. At such times the circuit is broken in the switch and the contact points 282,283a're separated. The curling head 43 is formed with a projecting ledge 288 on the side adjacentthe switch and when the head is in propercurling position the roller 286 is engaged by the ledge and the arm 284 is depressed so that the contact points 282, 283 are brought together as shown in Fig. 14. The switch unit is then closed and current can flow through the motor 81. 1 I

Fig. 1 includesa diagram of a motor circuit wherein wires 298 pass between thev contacts 282, 283 of the switch and the motor 81. It is necessary for the circuit including these wires tobe closed in the switch unit 28I inorder for electrical energy from any suitable source 300-to actuate the motor. When the head 43 is lifted into any position and is not in the lowered curling position the spring 281 holds open the contacts 282, 283and'the switch unit 28Iis opened. The motor 91, and through it the machine, cannot then be operated and must remain inactive until correct positioning of the curling head closes the motor circuit.

Canend moved from curling'head After curling, the lift device head I86 moves downwardly and the knockout pad 24I moves 'with it, stripping thecurled can end from the chuck 44 and again'bringing it down in supported position 'on'the' bars II, I52. At such time the fixed feed finger I98 on the feed bar I25 is back of the edge of the can end.

It reaches thisposition by moving back through the slot I88 of the head I85 and while the can end is raised and clamped in the curling head. It is because of this fact that finger I88 need not be spring pivoted as is finger I48. As soon as the end snaps in under the edges 221 of the fingers., 22I,.222 this feed finger I88 moves forward with the feedbar andtra'nsfers the end from station G into the nextidle station H. At station H- the curled can end passes under a second pair of hold back fingers 30I (Figs. 2 and 11) which like the fingers I45 at station F extend upwardly in the path of travel of the can end andwhich are also depressed by the advancing end. The fingers 30I are identical in construction and function to the fingers I45 shown in detail in Fig. and previously described. Fingers 30I prevent return of the end 2| with the return of the feed bar 25 which follows.

A spring pressed feedfinger 302 carried on the feedbar I25 lu -advance of the-fixed finger I88 moves under the end and comes to a feeding position back of the end when the feed bar returns for its next forward stroke. Finger 302 is piv'otally mounted and spring, held within the feed'bar I25 and is of the same construction as finger I48 and functions in the same manner.

Can vend stacking 0n the next forward movement of the feed bar I25flnger 302 engages and transfers the can end ffom the idle station H into the stacking station J where it 'is in'axial alignment with and directly beneath the magazine 48. From this position the end is lifted from the feed bar I25 and from the table 38 by the lifting plunger 48 and is inserted in stacked position into the bottom of the magazine 48, as previously described.

The lifting plunger 48 has sliding movement within bearings 303, 304 formed in the frame 24 and is formed with a head :305 which picks up the can end .when the plunger 48 is raised. Raising of the plunger is efiected by the cam205 on the shaft 8i (Figs. 3 and '4). Theplunger 48 is and lowers the lifting plunger in proper time for insertion-of the-can end into the bottom of the magazine 48.

The plunger 48 adjacent 'its bottom end is formed with a vertically extending bore 3I6 (Fig.

3);in which a bolt 3I1'projects. This is the same type of holding device as for-the body of the lift device 42 which included the bolt 208. :The lower end of the bolt 3 I1 is threadedly engaged in the frame-24 andextends upwardly through a nut 3I8 threadedly secured in.the lower end. of

the plunger 48 in which position it closes the bore 3I6.' q

A spring -3I8 surroundsthe bolt 3H and its upper end engages the head of the bolt while its lower end rests upon the nut 3I8. This spring pulling down on the lifting plunger holds the cam roller 3I6 against the cam 205.

Thestack of ends 2I- within the magazine 48 are retained in vertical position at two opposite corners between angle plates 325 (Figs. 2, 3 and 7),. These plates extend upwardly from andare formed with horizontal feet 328 which arebolted at 321 on the table 36; The stackof ends 2| in the magazine are supportedupon the upper ends of a pair of spaced dogs 33I. I

Each dog 33I- is pivoted on a pin 332 carried in an insert block 333'which is located in-a channel'334i formed in the foot 326. A spring 335 is held in each block insert and one end engages an extension 336 of the dog 33I and normally holds the upper end of the dog under the stack of ends. When the lifting plunger 48 is raised and the can end on the head 305 passes into the bottom' of the magazine 48 the flangeofthe end snaps past theopposed dogs 33I and moves into position beneath the stack. The dogs 33I, as soon as the end has passed, spring inwardly, and back into supportingposition underthe action of theirsprings 335 and'in this way the curled ends are stacked for convenientremoval.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing-description, andit will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

r I claim:

I. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a curling head, a stationary can and chuck in said head, curling instrumentalities in said head and rotatable-around said chuck for curling the'flanges of said can ends, means for holding a said can end in said curling head and clamping it on said stationary chuck so that its flange is fully backed up and equally supported at all points around its periphery, actuating meansfor moving said curling instr'umentalities in and out during their rotation around said chuck for effecting said flange curling and reciprocable means for ejecting said can end from said head and said chuck after the flange curling operation has been completed.

2. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the-like, comprising in combination, a support for flanged can ends, a curling head located above said support, longitudinally reciprocable means for advancing can ends along said support into registry with said curling head, a stationary can end chuck in saidhead, curling instrumentalities also in said head and rotatable around said chuck for curling the flanges of said can ends, means including said support to clamp a can end to be curled on said stationary chuck so that its flange is fully backed up and equally supported at all points around its periphery, and actuating means for positioning said curling instrumentalities relative to the flange of said held can ends and during their rotation around said stationary chuck for effecting said flange curling.

3. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination a I horizontal table adapted to support flanged can ends, a curling head located above said table,

said curling head including a stationary can end chuck, curling instrumentalities rotatable around said chuck for curling the flanges of said can table for moving can ends therealong, means for lifting a said can end from said table and to clamp it on said stationary chuck, and actuating means for said curling instrumentalities for effecting the flange curling of said held can ends during the rotation of said instrumentalities.

4. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, feeding devices for successively engaging and conveying a plurality of can ends with one face of their flanges turned up, intermittently operable means cooperating with said feeding devices for inverting said ends to bring their opposite flange faces up, and curling instrumentalities for curling said can end flanges while in their turned over position.

5. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, feeding devices for conveying can ends with one face of their flanges turned up, means for turning over said ends to bring the said flange faces down, curling instrumentalities for curling said can end flanges while in turned over position, and means for arranging said curled ends in stacked 75 formation.

ends, transfer feeding devices reciprocable in said 6. An apparatus for curling the flanges of 'can ends and the like, comprising in combination a chute for holding flangedcan ends with one face turned up, an intermittently movable turnover wheel located at one end of said chute for turning over said ends to bring their opposite flanged faces up, feeding devices formoving a said can end into said turnover wheel when it is at rest, curling instrumentalities located adjacent said turnover wheel for curling said can end flanges, and means for transferring said can .ends from said turnover wheel into said instrumentalities.

7. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, feeding devices for conveying can ends with one face of their flanges turned up, means for turning over. said ends to bring their opposite flange faces up, a table located adjacent said turnover means for supporting said turned over ends, a

curling head located over said table and spaced from said turnover means, transfer devices for moving said turned over ends into said curling head, and curling instrumentalities in said head for curling said can end flanges.

8. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a horizontal table adapted to support flanged can ends, means for bringing can ends to the receiving end of said table, a curling head located above said table at substantially its middle part, a can end stack magazine located at the delivery end of said table, transfer feeding devices operating in said table for moving the can ends first to said curling head and thence to said magazine, means for lifting a said can end from said table and from said feeding device into said curling head, curling instrumentalities operating in said curling head for flange curling a said can end, and means located adjacent said magazine for successively removing the curled can ends from said feeding devices and positioning them in stack formation within said magazine.

9. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a horizontal table adapted to support flanged can ends, a. curling head located above said table, transfer feeding devices operating in said table for moving the can ends therealong, means for lifting a said can end from said table into said curling head for a flange curling operation, guide bars mounted on said table for holding can ends in their proper path of travel, and means for moving a said guide bar out of guiding position to permit removal of said can ends while on said table.

10. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a lift device for supporting a can end to be flange curled, a curling head adapted to be positioned above said lift device,curling instrumen talities comprising a stationary chuck and curling elements carried in said head, means for clamping a said can end between said chuck and said lift device, and actuating means for actuating said curling elements while the said can end is held stationary in said chuck, said curling head having a pivotal mounting so that it may be swung back away from position above said lift device .to permit removal of said chuck and curling elements from said can end.

11.2311 apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a. horizontal table adapted to support flanged can ends, a curling head located above said table and hinged thereto, transfer feeding devices opcrating in said table for moving the can ends therealong, means for lifting a said can end from said table into said curling head, curling instrumentalities in said head for performing the curling operation, actuating means mounted on said table for actuating said curling instrumentalities, guide bars mounted on said table for retaining the can ends in their proper path of travel, and means for moving a said guide bar out of guiding position, said curling head being mounted to be movable away from said table without disconnecting its actuating means.

12. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, comprising in combination, a lift device for supporting can ends to be flange curled, a curling head adapted to be positioned above said lift device, curling instrumentalities carried in said head,means for centering a said can end on said lift device relative to said curling instrumentalities, means for raising said lift device to bring its superimposed can end into curling position within said curling head, and actuating means for actuatingsaid instrumentalities to curl the flange of said positioned can end. 13; An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, which comprises in combination, a frame, a lift device mounted in said frame and adapted to support a can end to be flange curled, a curling head supported on said frame, curling instrumentalities carried in said head, means for raising said lift device to bring its superimposed end into curling position within said curling head, actuating means including a shaft journaled in said frame for operating said curling instrumentalities to curl said can end flange. and means carried by said head and pivotally mounted on said shaft for permitting hinging of said head relative to said frame while maintaining driving connection with said actuating means.

14. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, which comprisesincombination, a frame, a lift device mounted in said frame and adapted to support a can end tobe flange curled, a curling head hingedly supported on said frame, curling instrumentalities carried in said head, means for raising said lift device to bring its superimposed endinto curling position within said curling head, actuating means foroperating said curling instrumentalities to curl said can end flange, and means for holding said head above said lift device and in curling position while the latter is in raised position.

15. An apparatus for curling the flanges ofcan ends and the like, which comprises in combination, a frame, a curling head hingedly supported on and movable into and out of curling position relative to said frame, a stationary chuck in said head for holding a can end to be flange curled. curling instrumentalities carriedin said head and. rotatable around said stationary chuck for curling the flanges of a said can end held on; said chuck, means for holding said head ifi icurling position on said frame, and means for holding said head while out of curling position and with saidstationary chuck and said curling in-- strumentalities away from said can end.

16. An apparatus for curling the flanges of can ends and the like, which comprises in combination, a frame, a lift device mountedin said frame and adapted to support a can end to be flange curled, a curling head hingedly supported on said frame, curling instrumentalities carried in said head for curling the flanges of can ends, held by said lift device, means for holding said head in curling position above said lift device, and means for preventing operation of said curling instrumentalities when said hinged head is out of the curling position. v

, WILLIAM F.BUTLER. 

